A woman defied a court order by going on social media to describe a rival as "an ugly hippo" with a "wonky nose."

Kelly Swainston's Instagram entries came after her cheating partner got involved with another woman who posted messages, city magistrates heard.

"She thought the comments were aimed at her. There was a lot of emotion. She is now very remorseful but describes how she had a great deal of trauma through the relationship which demonstrated itself in the way it did.

"She felt her face was being rubbed in it," said Theo Addae, who represented Swainston, 39, of Seely Avenue, Calverton.

He said her upset was made worse because her partner "left her with significant financial debt." Mr Addae added: "She has wanted him to make recompense."